What is a good first car?

[demonspeed]

4th gen LS1.

/end thread.

I might be a lurker, but if I can sway someone to grow a pair, then I will chime in

[Zabo]

Originally Posted by demonspeed

4th gen LS1.

/end thread.

I might be a lurker, but if I can sway someone to grow a pair, then I will chime in

This.

I walked out the door w/ Tax, title, and ins at 12K but I got them down to 10.3K sticker on a 2000 Trans Am M6 with 29,700 miles at the time.

Probably be able to find a good Z28 or Formula for around 10K easy, SS and Trans Ams still demand a bit of a premium for a moderately low mileage example. I got really lucky.

[98_Camaro]

If you want a Camaro, then get a Camaro!
Albeit, a 4th gen, they're still amazing cars. If you want the best MPG, you'll definitely want the 5-speed V6, and hey, who doesn't want to learn how to drive a stick? Plus, the 3800-series V6 is an absolute trooper. Mine just hit 110k the other day, and no major problems yet (save for an oil leak somewhere...). It has more than enough get-up-and-go for the beginning driver.
If you can afford the premium on insurance and gasoline, and can respect the extra ponies, an LS1 would definitely be the way to go. I think many would agree with me when I say that the LS1 was one of the best engines GM has ever built.

[demonspeed]

Don't worry about mileage in a LS1. I had no problem touching 28+ in mine on the highway. The only thing a young driver will need to be wary of is the insurance cost.

Just respect its power and you'll be just fine (because there will undoubtedly be people saying how it's too much car for a new driver).

[JHL88]

Originally Posted by Zabo

This.

I walked out the door w/ Tax, title, and ins at 12K but I got them down to 10.3K sticker on a 2000 Trans Am M6 with 29,700 miles at the time.

Probably be able to find a good Z28 or Formula for around 10K easy, SS and Trans Ams still demand a bit of a premium for a moderately low mileage example. I got really lucky.

dam thats a really good deal. i bought my 98Z for 9k and it had 84k miles, but it was also in MINT condition garaged kept, weekend driven, original owner etc.

OP, if you want fast get a 4th gen LS1 they are GREAT performers and they look B/A. best bang for the buck IMO. id also recommend something like a 02 Grand prix GTP. S/C 3.8L can be made quick with bolt-ons, pulley swap and tune. plus the 3800 series engines are reliable as you can get i know.. i had one in my 97RS

[upflying]

Anyone notice the possibility the OP is from the country of Georgia? OP calls himself "SovietRussia", another clue Camaro's and Cobalts will be difficult to find in Georgia.
Need to clarify where OP is from. Here is where Georgia is.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_%28country%29

[duffman]

[QUOTE=upflying;3711799]Anyone notice the possibility the OP is from the country of Georgia? OP calls himself "SovietRussia", another clue Camaro's and Cobalts will be difficult to find in Georgia.
Need to clarify where OP is from. Here is where Georgia is.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_%28country%29[/QUOTE

hmmm maybe lets see will he log on and then ask him

[Russo]

gotta think insurance cost here... simply put, anything rwd or awd is gonna be expensive... so will a truck... best bet is to find something Japanese or German cause everything else under 10k will be junk and you'll spend more money keeping it on the road than in annual gas expense..

[VADR_H8R]

I would get an old-school car!! like a Bandit Trans-AM

[Raven]

Find you a 4th gen Camaro if that is what you want......you only have 1 first car Check how much your insurance will be prior to buying a car. No point in getting something you can't afford to drive around.

Whatever you get.........buy a manual transmission! That is the best way to really learn to drive a stick...and you will get a little better gas mileage too. You will thank yourself in the long run. I thank my mom all the time that she made me learn and made sure my first car was a manual.

Good luck!

[Fightinfire921]

Originally Posted by VADR_H8R

I would get an old-school car!! like a Bandit Trans-AM

For under $10,000? Please tell me where it's located.

[VADR_H8R]

Originally Posted by WYKOFF69Z

For under $10,000? Please tell me where it's located.

hmmmm....
couldnt find a great shape black one...but here is an awesome gold one for $10,900 I bet you could get it for under 10k..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ponti...item19c89a68f3

[Ivas]

You can't go wrong with a "Hot Wheels" car; they're inexpensive and hella fun. I just wish they had been around in my earliest "car years".

At that time, I built plastic models with glue that we learned later was toxic. The better models cost $2 in the box while the glue was fifteen cents more.

Building 'em was both hella fun and instructive 'bout what all is in cars and why. I loved 'em.

[LostInMoscow]

Originally Posted by fielderLS3

I'll get flamed for this by someone, but you can probably do a lot with a Miata for $10k. I know that probably violates your "girl car" criteria, but they are actually serious sports cars, high handling limits, RWD, get great gas mileage, reliable, and have a big aftermarket available.